The Critical Thinking test can be extremely difficult for those who don’t prepare adequately beforehand. You might be familiar with some of the topics and material in the test. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to head straight in and coast through the entire assessment. Here, we’ll give you five key critical thinking test tips to make sure that you’re ready to take the real test.
It’s vital that you take the time to learn the different types of question that will come up in the critical thinking test. On top of that, here are five critical thinking test tips for making sure that you’re as prepared as possible for the critical thinking test.
Tip 1 – Learn Your Logical Fallacies
Logical fallacies, both formal and informal, are important for answering questions on evaluating arguments. Weak arguments will commonly fall prey to fallacies such as:
• Strawman;
• Slippery slope;
• Appeal to emotion;
• False cause;
• Ambiguity.
There are many more than these, so make sure you spend time understanding what the fallacy is and why it’s a fallacy. Then, read examples of these fallacies in action, so you get used to identifying them.
Tip 2 – Do Some Abstract Reasoning
Abstract reasoning and inductive reasoning tests are designed to assess your ability to identify patterns. In order to pass them, you need to get good at spotting the odd pattern out. This is somewhat useful for critical thinking, because you need to be able to spot good and bad arguments, assumptions, deductions and interpretations. Doing some abstract or inductive reasoning won’t directly make you a better critical thinker. However, it will tune your mind up to pay attention to minute details. This is a very important skill for a critical thinker. You might have to take abstract, inductive, or non-verbal reasoning tests alongside a critical thinking assessment as part of the application process. This means you can kill two birds with one stone: preparing yourself for those tests while also gearing up for the critical thinking assessment!
Tip 3 – Read More Non-Fiction
This might sound strange, but one of the best ways to get used to spotting good and bad arguments, deductions, inferences, assumptions, and interpretations is to spend time reading non-fiction. In particular, read articles from a range of sources, including editorials and papers from journals. Find topics that you’re interested in so that the work is easier to read, then go through the body of work and mark the strong and weak arguments that you find. In addition, listen to or watch political debates – they’re a great source for both strong and weak arguments.
Tip 4 – Attempt Practice Papers
Once you have a good idea about the tools you need to be a good critical thinker and pass the critical thinking test, find some practice tests and take them under timed conditions. This will improve your ability to read and evaluate arguments under time constraints. In turn, you’ll be better prepared for the real test.
Tip 5 – Read Explanations to Sample Questions
Once you’ve attempted a few past papers, take some time to read the answers and explanations. This is an important part of the revision process. This is because you’ll be able to figure out where you went wrong with some answers. It’ll also be useful even for answers you’ve got right. The explanation will shed further light on the material, and might improve your chances of success in the critical thinking assessment.
Critical Thinking Test Tips – Conclusion
The Critical Thinking test is difficult, but not impossible to overcome. If you make use of these critical thinking test tips you should have no problem passing the critical thinking test and obtaining the career of your dreams.
Click here to get access to our testing suite, with over 75 critical thinking test questions to get practising!
